SPCA looking to prosecute those who cut off puppy's ears

Animal protection inspectors are closing in on offenders responsible for cutting off the ears of an eight-week-old pitbull puppy.

Tauranga Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) inspector Jason Blair today said they were following strong leads in their search those responsible for the horrific act of animal cruelty.

The puppy, who has been nicknamed Trooper, was recovering remarkably well considering what he had been through and was living in foster care with a family, he said.

He was taken into SPCA on Monday with raw and bloody ear wounds which were probably inflicted with a pair of scissors last Thursday or Friday.

Mr Blair said all his inquiries were leading him to one address but he needed someone who had witnessed the act, or had been told about it by those responsible, to come forward.

It was likely more than one person was involved, he said.

"I've had a number of people that have given me names and addresses that all seem to be lining up but to be actually able to take it to court I need something a bit more concrete.

"I'm appealing to their conscience, for the sake of the dog and so this person or people don't do this again, because they need to be brought to justice," he said.

Mr Blair said he could not walk down the street in Tauranga without being stopped by people expressing their disgust at what had happened.

Nationally, too, people were offering money for a reward to ensure there was enough of an incentive for people to come forward with information.

A $200 reward has been offered but this amount could increase substantially as more money was donated, Mr Blair said.

The offender could face up to five years imprisonment or a $100,000 fine if convicted.